Epilogue
All eyes were on Judith as she took her place beside the mayor of Minneapolis. She smiled out at the gathering of citizens who had come to see her open the first of several new buildings that would grace the Ashton Block.
“Thank you all for coming today.” She was glad she had thought to wear her fur-lined cloak instead of the plain wool wrap. The wind was a bit blustery, and the gunmetal gray skies looked ready to open up with snow.
“It is my pleasure to share this new building with the city of Minneapolis. We have long planned and worked to see this block developed as a memorial to my family. Therefore, I give you the first of four buildings that will comprise the Ashton Block.”
She paused for applause and looked down at her husband, who stood faithfully awaiting her. He gave her a smile, which bolstered her courage to continue. She had both looked forward to this day and dreaded it, knowing that there were bound to still be those who hated the name Ashton.
“This building will house a new orphanage that will be run by the Episcopal Sisters. The facilities will also accept the help of volunteers who apply through the church. These volunteers are much-desired to assist with the children, who will need a great deal of love and kindness. I want to encourage you to seek more information by speaking to Mrs. Sarah Knickerbacker at the Gethsemane Episcopal Church. And now the mayor has a few words to say.”
She stepped back and let the older man take charge. His words were thankfully few, probably because he wasn’t dressed in the warmest of clothes. He did encourage the citizens of Minneapolis to remember those less fortunate, as the holidays were soon to be upon them and winter had already begun.
With the speeches concluded and her obligations met, Judith hurried to join Roman. “Let’s hurry.”
Roman signaled for the carriage and smiled. “We aren’t much for being away from home long, are we?”
Judith gazed up at him and shook her head. “At home with my family is the very best place in the world. I long for nothing more.”
Judith felt overwhelmed with gratitude for all that God had done in her life. So many times she had despaired that nothing good could be reborn from the tragedies that beset her. She was ever so glad to be proven wrong.
Once they reached home, Roman helped her down from the carriage, and Judith couldn’t help but quicken her steps. Inside the house awaited the finest blessing of all.
“Are they awake?” she asked Winchell as he opened the door for them.
He smiled. “They were when I left them just a few minutes ago.”
Judith glanced over her shoulder at Roman. “Hurry.”
They raced upstairs to the nursery, where Roman’s mother was watching over two very attentive babies. She held a rattle to keep their attention, but they seemed more than happy to be with their grandmother.
“I still can’t believe you had twins,” Roman said, shaking his head.
“I can’t believe you never even suspected. I was as big as a house,” Judith said, lifting their daughter into her arms. The baby immediately began to root. “I think we got here just in time. She seems quite hungry.”
“Yes, I think they’re both ready to nurse,” Martha replied.
Roman picked up their son. “For two months old, I think they are quite advanced. Just see how he holds his head up.”
Judith laughed as her son pressed forward for a moment and then fell back. “To hear Roman tell it, they are able to perform miraculous feats unknown to other infants.”
She handed her fussing baby daughter to Martha and shed her jacket. She couldn’t help but feel aglow in the wonder of motherhood and all that God had given. Once again, she found herself thanking Him for His goodness.
She settled into the rocker and unfastened the buttons on her blouse. Martha brought her the baby, and Judith gently arranged her to nurse.
“My little Evie. Such a precious gift from God.”
At that, her son began to fuss, and Roman laughed. “I think he knows you’re speaking about his sister and not offering the same praise in regard to him.”
“Sweet Evan. You know your mother holds equal love for you.”
“No two babies could ever be loved more,” Martha said, heading for the door. “You know where I’ll be if you need me.”
Once she’d gone, Judith smiled and glanced at her husband as he made faces and babbled at their son.
His face beamed with pride. She knew he’d never been happier because he’d told her that every day since they married.
She had no idea of what the future might hold, but if their hearts remained faithful in the Lord, it was certain to be most satisfying.